This is the float-over installation for the Safaniya Tie-In Platform No. 20 (Safaniya TP-20). The platform, the largest TP in Saudi Aramco's offshore fields, weighs 6,000 metric tons and will be the main crude oil gathering and power supply hub for the North Safaniya field, which is the worldâs largest offshore oil field. less

This is the float-over installation for the Safaniya Tie-In Platform No. 20 (Safaniya TP-20). The platform, the largest TP in Saudi Aramco's offshore fields, weighs 6,000 metric tons and will be the main crude ... more

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Silver Sponsor: Saudi Aramco showcases advanced technology

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Attendees of this year's Offshore Technology Conference will be closely watching the leading energy provider, Saudi Aramco, to learn more about its upstream technology strategy and latest project developments.

Last year, the energy giant revealed its transformation strategy to become a fully integrated global energy and chemicals enterprise with extensive operations throughout the globe.

This year, the company comes to industry by delivering on its cutting-edge technologies, many of which have been classified as "potentially transformational."

Advanced tools

Using advanced tools such as electromagnetic and gravity data, deep sub-salt targets are being evaluated in the northern part of the Red Sea. Shallow-water drilling already has begun, and deepwater drilling will commence soon.

Decades ago, engineers turned off the taps at the Manifa offshore field in the Arabian Gulf because of the challenges of producing the heavy, sour crude.

Now, with new technology, Saudi Aramco engineers are preparing to turn Manifa's taps back on, and they are already winning awards for their innovations and environmental stewardship.

The project is taking conventional technology beyond its current limits.

Manifa has been described by the industry as one that "highlights the technical capability of the local industry on the world stage."

At the 2012 Middle East Oil and Gas Awards, Saudi Aramco's Manifa Development Team accepted an award for "Innovative Oil Project of the Year."

"I think it's the innovative nature of the way that the Manifa field is being developed, and the environmental stewardship that won us the Oil and Gas Award," said Majid Otaibi, supervisor for reservoir management and team leader of the Manifa project. "Lessons we learn from Manifa and the technologies deployed can be used in other fields."

Furthermore, in the first phase of a long-term plan to upgrade Saudi Aramco's Safaniya offshore field, a new landmark recently was added to the world's largest offshore field. Using a "float-over" installation technique, the Safaniya Tie-In Platform No. 20 (Safaniya TP-20) was installed. The platform, the largest TP in Saudi Aramco's offshore fields, weighs 6,000 metric tons and will be the main crude oil gathering and power supply hub for the North Safaniya offshore field.

The magnitude of the platform and its piping and electrical power requirements meant a great deal of careful measures and plans were developed to successfully construct and install the platform. Several construction workshops, design analyses and model reviews were conducted to review all aspects of the design to ensure its safe installation.

Historical weather conditions were considered to select the optimal installation time frame as well.

The platform's fabrication took 20 months.

To supply the needed electrical power to the North Safaniya offshore field, the platform will receive a composite submarine cable that will be the longest of its kind in the world.

The Saudi Aramco Rigs group also has adopted the latest technologies by adding a new jack-up rig to its fleet. Built at a Keppel FELS shipyard in Singapore, the state-of-the-art rig is equipped with six generators to power up the entire rig facilities, plus a powerful motor-jacking system allowing the rig to carry a greater load. The rig can accommodate 114 personnel and is equipped with 400-foot-long jack-up legs and has the capability to drill as deep as 30,000 feet in order to operate in the deepest Gulf fields of Marjan, Karan, Arabiya and Hasbah.

The rig commenced its first well at the beginning of the year.

In Houston, the Upstream Group at Saudi Aramco's U.S. subsidiary, Aramco Services Co., performs competitive intelligence and analyses of new technologies and best practices in the upstream petroleum industry.

"Behind all these new technologies are the people who make it happen with innovative ideas to advance the industry," said Robert Britt, head of ASC Recruiting and an expatriate working for Saudi Aramco for nearly 10 years in Saudi Arabia.

"As Saudi Aramco transforms, it looks for top talent to join its team of professionals," he said.

At OTC

Visit Saudi Aramco at OTC exhibit booth No. 5741 to learn more about the company or visit its jobs website at www.aramco.jobs.

Khaled Buraik, Saudi Aramco's vice president of petroleum engineering and development, is scheduled to speak at an OTC topical luncheon, "Saudi Aramco's Enhanced Upstream Technology Strategy" on May 6.